Win £100 “One 4 All’ Gift Card from the Post Office

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

Many of us are planning our summer holidays now, and working out how much we can afford. From changing currency to eating out abroad, going on holiday can prove an expensive minefield for the unwary traveller.

We’ve teamed up with Experian CreditExpert to offer one lucky Quidco member the chance to win £100 “One 4 All' Gift Card from the Post Office, which can be redeemed at over 17,000 retailers nationwide so one lucky winner can update their Holiday wardrobe.

Simply answer the following question in the comment section:

What's your favourite way to stretch your budget?

Hiring a car at the airport means you’ll almost certainly be paying through the nose. To get the best rates, you need to book as far in advance as possible, preferably online. This also gives you the chance to check through the fine print for hidden charges, such as exorbitant excess waiver cover – and find a separate, cheaper policy.

2. If you buy currency at the airport…

These days you can order your currency online and have it delivered to your door or even pick it up at the airport – and you are likely to get a better deal than if you get it at the eleventh hour. Research suggests that the average family loses £13 by buying holiday cash just before they fly – enough for lunch in the Costa del Sol [1].

3. If you use your everyday debit card abroad…

There are often charges for using an ordinary debit card once you’re outside the UK. While many credit cards charge up to 3 per cent per transaction if you use them abroad, some others are specifically aimed at being suited more to spending in other countries, often offering 0% foreign purchase fees. If you do get one of those cards though, make sure you pay the bill off in full when the bill arrives. It’s also advisable to let your lender know you are going abroad, so as to prime them in case it raises suspicion when they see you make large purchases in duty free!

4. If you need credit for your holiday…

Make sure your credit report is up to date and that the information on it is accurate. If you do use a credit card to help spread the cost of a holiday, it’s best to stay within the agreed credit limits and always make your repayments on time, paying more than the minimum off your credit cards each month if you can, as this could help pay off your debts quicker. Missed payments stay on your credit report for at least six years. You can get help finding finance deals that suit your credit profile, and see your credit report and Experian Credit Score whenever you want, with CreditExpert [2] membership. Getting it right could help you to understand, protect and take steps to improve your finances, and improve your chances of getting the credit card you want.

5. If you pay to enter museums and take tours…

Many attractions offer free entry one day a week and most towns provide leaflets that you can use to create your own tour. Doing your research before you go could leave you surprised at the free events on offer. Eating on the hoof can cost an arm and a leg, so drop in to a local shop and get the ingredients for a picnic.

6. If you use your smartphone as though you were at home…

The cost of some calls may have come down, but downloading data can still be painfully expensive when you’re abroad. The best option is simply to switch off your phone – and turn your kids’ phones off too. Alternatively, switch off data roaming or investigate special travel packages. You could also try an app that locates cafés and other areas that provide free wifi.

[2]. New members only. Monthly fee applies after free trial. Free trial period starts on registration – further ID verification may be required to access full service, which may take up to five days.

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

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Terms and conditions

Entry is open to residents of the UK except employees (and their families) of Quidco and any other companies associated with the competition.

The entrant(s) must be aged 18 or over.

Proof of identity and age may be required.

All entries must be made directly by the person entering the competition.

The prizes are as stated, are not transferable to another individual and no cash or other alternatives will be offered.

Prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers' terms and conditions.

The promoters reserve the right to amend or alter the terms of competitions and reject entries from entrants not entering into the spirit of the competition.

Unless stated otherwise the winner(s) will be drawn at random from all correct entries received by the closing date.

Reasonable efforts will be made to contact the winner(s). If the winner(s) cannot be contacted, or are unable to comply with these terms and conditions, the Promoter reserves the right to offer the prize to the next eligible entrant drawn at random, or in the event that the promotion is being judged the Promoter reserves the right to offer the prize to the runner(s)-up selected by the same judges.

Failure to respond and/or provide an address for delivery, or failure to meet the eligibility requirements may result in forfeiture of the prize.

Where applicable, the decision of the judges is final based on the criteria set out in the promotion and no correspondence will be entered into over this decision.

Competitions may be modified or withdrawn at any time.

Thorntons reserves the right to award an alternative prize of equal or greater value should the advertised prize become unavailable due to unforseeable circumstances.

Shop around, book last minute if possible, get cash back, use a credit card that gives reward points (eg. M & S) and make sure you use your savings for something worthwhile so you feel the benefit. Last time we gained holiday cash back with Quidco, it was £175, and we then used that towards our currency spending money, which we also got on our M & S card (preferential rates, commission free etc) so we won all round!

I use coupons, voucher codes and cashback sites. Also make purchases on my credit card which gives me cashback as well. Plus I own various store cards which offer either discounts or points which can be later spend on any items I like within a store. Good idea also is using comparison sites whenever there are several options of any product or service. And of course I always wait for the sales, when you can buy stuff for a fraction of its previous price.

My favourite way to stretch my budget is to remember that I might have champagne tastes, but have a lemonade pocket! I have swapped supermarkets, have every loyalty and discount card going and reap the rewards !

The way that we save most money on holiday is by booking self catering accommodation then making picnics for days out rather than being reliant on expensive cafes etc. Picnics are always fun and a bit different, so add to the enjoyment of a holiday without adding to the expense.

I use a variety of methods to help stretch my budget, but these include shopping on credit cards with promotional offers/periods, collect and use vouchers whenever possible, cash in loyalty rewards once accumulated, and of course using Quidco to help me stretch my budget further still!

Right now I’m in Austria, after a week in Italy. Saved money by booking all my hotels via Quidco and invoking the best price guarantees, booked my cash online for the best rate on the day, used vouchers for train tickets, pay via Halifax credit card abroad and getting an Italian SIM card that allows data & calls roaming through Europe. And collecting all the loyalty points, nights etc that go with it.

At easter we booked a late offer holiday with days to go, we had a lovely cornish house by the sea for our family. We organised a supermarket to deliver the food, and we took our regular stash of cupboard essentials, like tomato sauce! and then visited national trust houses with our membership, and then did all the freebies, like walks on the beach, reading, wifi, etc. totally relaxed and no pressure, just plan and quidco

I find that if you buy sterling travellers cheques you always get a better exchange rate in your destination country. You will also avoid losing out on the exchange rate when you cash in any unused cheques upon your return

Using quidco for cashback offers and discount codes really helps me stretch my budget. I also love to make meals for dinner that mean I can use the leftovers for lunch the following day – delicious and saves me money

Keep a spending diary, using a spreadsheet, for a period of at least one full month. Only by keeping a record of what you have spent, and then revisiting it, can you be sure of the best ways to monitor and address your spending.

I use all the coupons, voucher codes, Quidco and special offers available. I keep monthly records of all savings and then pay the amount saved each month into the highest interest-paying account I can find. Over a year this adds up to a significant amount for holiday spending or a special purchase. Last year alone this method achieved over £1000 from savings from everyday expenditure.

Large opticians like Spec Savers frequently offer free eye tests. Then, once you have your prescription and have tried on a few pairs of glasses in store to know which styles suit you, shop online for glasses (including designer frames) at cut price. I usually use Vision Direct but there are loads of similar sites, I’ve saved hundreds of pounds over the years this way. Some of the sites even have cashback through Quidco – bonus! Also check with your employer whether you are entitled to a contribution towards costs, if you work in front of a computer screen every day then you are probably entitled to some money towards eye tests and glasses.

Use discount codes, cash back sites. We make meal plans and stick to them. Look at the special offers because sometimes there not as good as they seem. I look in the reduced section for meat, it can be frozen down so saves money on reduced meat. Check hotukdeals. Offeroftheday is a good site to check for budget presents. Approved food .co.UK is a good site for discount food nearing its sell by date so you can grab some bargains. Always check the discount sites or compare sites because a few clicks can save you a small fortune in the long run.

shopping on line i always spend less on my grocery’s when doing online shopping i shop with tesco save my club card points for xmas then double them up for xmas presents i also use quidco for shopping and all my insurance ect it helps me save money plus added bonus of getting cash it helps me with my budget

I always keep my price comparison sites in my ‘favourites’, this means they are handy when it comes to getting a good deal on flights. Almost everyone knows to shop around now, but big savings can also be made by saving up airline loyalty points/miles and by booking early, if you can. My latest trip to Stockholm cost me £30 in taxes, thanks to some airmiles I save for a rainy day Don’t be frightened at choosing a new holiday destination too – the Foreign Office website gives you all you need to know if you have any worries. It maybe a bit cheaper, as the destination is less traveled, and at the same time you are able to explore a new country or city.
When it comes to clothing I always keep an eye on what drops through my door, voucher codes and discounts, as well as looking online. The children’s clothes are purchased well in advance of the summer holiday, when sites like Lands End, Boden and Joules are having a good clear out. ALWAYS perform an online search for clothing outlets – most shops have outlet stores online, some even let you apply discount codes to them – together with free delivery on some and you are laughing all the way to the beach!

(1) Use Cashback at all times.
(2) Use online voucher codes for retailers.
(3) Stream Television with media box (FREE and no licence needed if you don’t watch live tv).
(4) Use Vonage for telephone line via broadband (No Line Rental and unlimited FREE Calls & £40 cashback with Quidco)
(5) Courier suitcases to holiday destination & back (fraction of the cost of hold luggage at only £10 per 30kg).
(6) Buy items only when on special offer and use coupons.
(7) Trade jobs, I fix friends computers, they fix my car or do some DIY.
(8) Never autorenew on any policies, always check for best deals first.
(9) Check Utilities for best deals every year and switch if you can get a deal.
(10) Use pre dial number (like weq4u) to dial 0845 08?? numbers, making them free to call.
(11) Freeze surplus food.
(12) When cooking something like sausages, cook extra and put in fridge, then quick microwave them over next few days, saving gas.
(13) Check all benefit entitlements to ensure you are getting your entitlement, don’t be afraid, you can bet if an MP is due money he will squeeze every last penny (and more).
(14) Get a prescription season ticket, its cheaper, but if you have diabetes prescriptions are free.
(15) Get work to pay for your eye test (they should in some circumstances) but if glaucoma runs in your family don’t forget eye tests are free.

Monthly cash back on my credit card ..use it to pay for everything register it online for quidco shop n save and pay off the balance on pay day .. My bank account looks healthy and no overdrawn charges
Simple yet effective money management for a working mum

Price comparison websites / research
cashback/quidco
buy currency early via postoffice without commission
go self-catering
shop local on holiday destination as tourist places/supermarkets near hotels are always more expensive
buy travel insurance! You can get money if delayed etc
Use change, dont end up with a load of coins you can not exchange back

Order online through Quidco, use loyalty cards for points to spend, don’t buy anything on a whim that’s not needed, sell unwanted items on sites that don’t charge i.e. Facebook and Friday Ads, use compare sites for purchases, buy birthday and Christmas presents ahead of time in the sales as last minute buys will cost more, walk to the local shops rather than drive, cook in batches and freeze and stick to your budget at all times.

* Use cashback websites (new to this though)
*Use vouchers and promo codes where possible
* Wait until items go in the sale; for instance winter clothing will either already be in the sale or will be shortly as retailers don’t want the stock.

My favourite way to stretch my budget is to buy my summer clothes and garden items in the winter and my Christmas decorations and warm jumpers in mid July. This means all the items are reduced plus I don’t have the same ‘just released’ items as my friends.

On a city break buy a city pass card which will be cheaper overall to visit all the popular attractions in a city. Often you also get priority entry which can save you time queuing and then use your spare time to visit some obscure attractions included in the city pass.

Best advice on stretching budget – if you don’t need it dont buy it, there is no fashion when you go on holiday, re-vamp your wardrobe if you can sew, use quidco for money off or discounts, try get free entry where possible – do your research!

i stretch mine by getting discounts and vouchers and saving up for a cashback moment such as a 1st supermarket shop via site. when i changed electric i got £118 off £40 cashback and points on my nectar card. i used th e 118 for my bills and cat the £40 to purchase home broadband on which i got a further £35 and get free calls and dont need to spend my moby, with the points i got £5 of food and the £35 is going towards my £20 holiday from the newspaper – i go shopping locally for my neybors and i scan their receipts too. i have had free crisps and free burgers from quidco – well worth it – love it.